First Advisor
Karlin, Nancy J.
First Committee Member
Kole, James
Second Committee Member
Pugh, Kevin
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type
Dissertation
Date Created
8-2024
Department
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Psychological Sciences, SPS Student Work
Embargo Date
8-1-2025
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted university students, affecting their academic and personal lives. This study aimed to explore the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on university students, focusing on the interplay between experienced losses and resiliency levels. The purpose was to understand the overall impact of the pandemic on students and investigate how a resilient mindset, as measured by the Connor-Davidson Resiliency Scale (CD-RISC), predicted reactions to loss (RTL). The research addressed four key questions: (1) Do CD-RISC (resiliency) and cumulative loss predict positive reappraisal, controlling for demographic variables? (2) Does cumulative loss impact scores on the "avoidance" and "loss of control" subscales of the RTL, controlling for demographic variables and resiliency? (3) How have university students reported the pandemic positively impacting their educational plans? (4) How have university students reported the pandemic negatively impacting their educational plans? A total of 173 university students participated in the study, with 171 complete responses after data cleaning. The methodology included the use of the Reactions to Loss Scale (RTL) to evaluate responses to loss, the CD-RISC to measure resilience, a checklist of types of losses experienced, and open-ended questions on the positive and negative impacts on academic plans. Data analysis involved hierarchical multiple regression analyses to examine the relationship between resiliency, cumulative loss, and reactions to loss, and qualitative analysis using NVivo and Julius AI to identify themes in the open-ended responses. Key findings revealed that resiliency was a positive predictor of positive reappraisal on the RTL, while cumulative loss did not significantly predict positive reappraisal. Resiliency and cumulative loss did not significantly predict scores on the "avoidance" and "loss of control" subscales of the RTL. Positive impacts of the pandemic on academic plans included improved technological proficiency, adaptation to virtual learning, enhanced self-efficacy and autonomy, and improved professional communication skills. Negative impacts included educational disruption, physical and emotional health decline, social isolation, and difficulty adapting to new norms. This study provides valuable insights into the diverse losses experienced by university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of resilience in their reactions to these losses. The findings highlight significant academic and personal challenges faced by students, as well as the potential for growth and skill development in the face of adversity. The results can inform the development of targeted interventions and support systems to address the needs of university students during and after the pandemic.
Abstract Format
html
Extent
116 pages
Local Identifiers
Monroe_unco_0161D_11269.pdf
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by the author.
Recommended Citation
Monroe, Kimberly Crystal, "Exploring the Psychological Impact, Responses to Loss and Resiliency Among University Students During the Coronavirus Pandemic" (2024). Dissertations. 1099.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/dissertations/1099